Vote allows focus to shift to future

Overnight, an election can change lives ... and communities. And so it is this morning in McCook, Red Willow County and the surrounding counties of Southwest Nebraska.

The election brought 3,267 voters to the polls in Red Willow County. That is 42 percent of the registered voters in the county. While that may not sound like many, it's far better than the statewide turnout percentage.

Locally, the most far-reaching effect of the election will be the construction of a single site public school for pupils in the early grades.

It will be a big change for the community. After years of educating younger children at three separate grade schools -- East Ward, West Ward and North Ward -- the McCook school district will consolidate all lower grades at the North Ward site.

Now that the school issues has been decided, two things need to happen. First, the McCook Board of Education must vow to proceed with the project as deliberately and conservatively as possible. That was the main message of those who voted no. Our tax dollars are precious. Spend them wisely.

The second thing -- which in the long run is of immense important -- is that the community of McCook needs to use this election as a turning point. We've been hassling about our problems for far too long. It's time to take care of the problems -- first the schools, then, hopefully, the sewer and water issues -- and move on.

"We've been focusing on the past," said Tom Bredvick, who led the campaign in support of the school bond issue. "It's time to focus on the future."

Right on, Tom. And while we're at it, our hats are off to Tom and the other members of the "Building for Their Future" committee. This committee -- composed of the parents of students -- made the difference. With the help of teachers and community leaders, they took a stand and fought for their belief that the McCook area needs better facilities for young elementary pupils.

On this -- the day after the election -- we also extend congratulations to Dr. Don Blank, the McCook dentist who demonstrated district-wide popularity by placing first in primary voting for the District 7 Regent's post. Don received 13,018 votes, nearly 4,000 more than the second place finisher. Dr. Blank gave credit to "70 incredible volunteers" who worked on his behalf in the 35 counties of District 7. With the first place finish, Blank advances to the general election in November, where he will face the second place vote-getter, Dave Hergert.

And, too, we want to extend a word of thanks to Duane Tappe. While he lost out in the race for the at-large position on the Mid-Plains College, he is to be commended for trying to give this part of the area an additional voice on the board.

Finally, our sincere thanks to all who voted. It is such an important American privilege. In the privacy of the voting booth, we help guide our country ... and our communities.